Great Day for Nest Building

Lunch hour birding at Stockport Flatts; Checked out the old Eagle's nest on middle ground island, the pair was actively involved with the nest, couldn't tell if there are any eglets yet. Watched another eagle swoop down to get some twigs to bring to a new nests. Tide was out and you could easily see why it's called the Flatts. A lone male Wood Duck was swimming in the creek.
On my way home stopped by the towers in Athens to check on the Heron nests, two active nests with bird coming and going with building material. On the old black tower is an active Osprey nest, both birds seen on or near the nest.

Eagles - 3
Great Blue Heron - 4
Osprey - 2
Wood Duck - 1
Redwing Black Birds - Many
Downey Woodpecker - 1
Woodchuck - 1

So Proud

The Boy was inducted into Phi Eta Sigma, a National Honor Society For College Freshman. We made the trip up north on a beautiful high pressure day, blue blue sky and fluffy white cumulus clouds. I always enjoy this trip and it has the added bonus of seeing the boy at the end.
The ceremony was short and low key, the faculty advisor made the remark (as they added more chairs) that this was the largest group they've ever had. I guess he didn't get the memo about the Echo Boomers and their helocopter parents. I can't believe his first year of college is just about over. We haven't had the usual freshman problems. He has taken to college like he's been waiting for it all his life.
I'm so proud Pook, you done good!

I'm not surprised

I am an Echinacea What Flower Are You?

Gift of a Day

I have been wanting to explore the Hudson River Island State Park for a while now, so today Lemmer & I dropped in at Stockport Station. Tide was out and the flats were shallow, almost diificult to paddle as we kept hitting the mud. What a glourious day! So many of my favorite things in one place.

First the River; I love the Mighty Mighty Hudson from it's pristine beauty in Newcomb to it's broad curving expanse as it meets the sea.

Second Eagles; Thank you Mr. Nye & the NYS DEC, beacause of you, I see Eagles almost every day. Sometimes when I'm crossing the Ripper on my way to work, sometimes at the boatl aunch on my lunch hour, sometimes just looking out the bathroom window in the courthouse. How cool is that?

Outhouses! A Hudson River Outhouse is much different than an Adirondack outhouse, but nicely decorated with cresent moon symbol. It even still had tp from last season.

And of course my paddling partner. We are finding our rhythym, and this week went much smoother with loading/unloading the boats. We are laughing more and cursing less :) My heart just about explodes as i paddle behind her.